Surgical Technologist Salary in Frankfort, KY: $59,607 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Frankfort, KY earns a median $59,607/year (≈ $28.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Frankfort's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $66,749 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Frankfort, Kentucky, can expect a median annual salary of $59,607, reflecting a promising growth trajectory in a specialized healthcare field. The projected salary range spans from $42,403 at the 10th percentile to $89,384 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a broad spectrum of earning potential based on experience, specialization, and credentials. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data account for regional price adjustments, making these figures particularly relevant in understanding the financial landscape for surgical technologists in the area. As robotic surgery certification continues to gain prominence, those who acquire this credential may find themselves able to command higher wages, contributing to an evolving job market in Frankfort.
About the Frankfort Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,403 | $20.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,812 | $23.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,607 | $28.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,077 | $34.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,384 | $42.97 |
Median Salary Position
12.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Frankfort
In Frankfort, KY, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,981 (2026 est.). At $59,607, the local median is 12.52% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Frankfort: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Frankfort Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Frankfort median: $59,607/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Frankfort Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $60,823 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -12.52% less |
Surgical Technologists in Frankfort, KY earn a median of $59,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.52% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.00% below the Kentucky state average of $60,823.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Frankfort has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Frankfort, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $59,607 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,749 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,251
2025 BLS Actual
$56,553
2026 Current Est.
$59,607
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Frankfort (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,251 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,484 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,452 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,951 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,738 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,553 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,607 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,826 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Frankfort metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,251 (2019) to $56,553 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,826 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,575 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Frankfort metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,403 – $49,812 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,812 – $59,607 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,607 – $72,077 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,077 – $89,384 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Frankfort
With only six surgical technologists currently employed in Frankfort, the local job market offers a unique landscape characterized by considerable challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index sits at 89.3, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, which allows for greater take-home purchasing power for those working in the field. Surgical technologists can expect higher salaries in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly in fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which typically offer the most lucrative positions. Factors driving the variation in pay include specialty focus, call coverage requirements, and premiums for roles such as surgical first assistants. For those looking to maximize their income in Frankfort, pursuing certifications in robotic surgery and seeking out positions in high-demand specialties could significantly enhance earning potential in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Frankfort?
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Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,553 for surgical technologistsin the Frankfort metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Frankfort is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov